Bed frame panel assembly

ABSTRACT

A bed frame panel assembly is disclosed in which the bed frame panel assembly comprises a first side member having a front side and a back side, the back side having a clip, a second side member having a front side and a back side, the back side having a clip, a foot member have a front side and a back side, a first bracket member for connecting the first side member to the foot member, and a second bracket member for connecting the second side member to the foot member.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to beds and bed frames and more particularly to a bed frame panel assembly for attachment to a bed frame.

Conventional beds may consist of a mattress, a box spring, a headboard, a foot board, a pair of spaced apart bed rails, and longitudinally spaced, transversely extending wooden or metal slats extending between the bed rails. The slats and the bed rails are used to support the mattress and box spring above the floor upon which the bed is positioned. It is also known to use a metal bed frame assembly to support a mattress and a box spring. The metal bed frame is an easy to assemble device that is not expensive. The metal bed frame has L-shaped side rails, a pair of cross rail members, legs, wheels and/or glides. Although the metal bed frame is useful, it can present a rather drab and utilitarian appearance.

Another type of bed is a platform bed. A platform bed is formed by joining together panels that form a frame upon which a mattress may be placed. The panels rest upon the floor and extend upwardly therefrom to the mattress. The panels provide an appearance that completely surrounds the bottom and completely blocks or limits access to below the mattress. The panels are typically heavy which restricts the ability to easily move or reposition the platform bed around a room.

It would be desirable to combine the aesthetic style of a platform bed with a metal bed frame. The present disclosure is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with conventional platform beds and metal bed frames. In particular, the present disclosure provides a bed frame panel assembly that may be used to be attached to existing metal bed frames to enhance the look or appearance of the bed or to simulate a platform bed. Moreover, the present disclosure is a bed frame panel assembly that also is easy to assembly on various sized metal bed frames. In view of this, the present bed frame panel assembly is applicable for use with full, twin, queen, California kings, and king size beds.

SUMMARY

In one form of the present disclosure, a bed frame panel assembly comprises a first side member having a front side and a back side, the back side having a clip, a second side member having a front side and a back side, the back side having a clip, a foot member have a front side and a back side, a first bracket member for connecting the first side member to the foot member, and a second bracket member for connecting the second side member to the foot member.

In another form of the present disclosure, a bed frame panel assembly comprises a first side member having a front side, a back side, a head end, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip, a second side member having a front side, a back side, a head end, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip, a foot member have a side, a back side, and a pair of beveled ends, and a first bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the first side member to one of the beveled ends of the foot member and a second bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the second side member to the other beveled end of the foot member.

In yet another form of the present disclosure, a bed frame panel assembly is disclosed which comprises a first side member having a front side, a back side, a head end having a rabbet portion, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip, a second side member having a front side, a back side, a head end having a rabbet portion, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip, a foot member have a side, a back side, and a pair of beveled ends, and a first bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the first side member to one of the beveled ends of the foot member and a second bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the second side member to the other beveled end of the foot member.

In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that the present disclosure provides a bed frame panel assembly that may be used in combination with various sized beds and mattresses.

The present disclosure provides a bed frame panel assembly which is of simple construction and design and can be easily employed and assembled with highly reliable results.

The present disclosure is also directed to a bed frame panel assembly that provides the appearance of a more expensive platform bed structure.

The present disclosure also provides a bed frame panel assembly that uses lightweight structures or components that are easy to assemble, disassemble, ship, or store.

The present disclosure provides a bed frame panel assembly that is capable of being installed on a bed frame or removed from a bed frame without the use of any specialized tools.

The present disclosure provides a bed frame panel assembly that does not interfere with a headboard attached to a bed.

The present disclosure also provides a bed frame panel assembly that is applicable for use with any sized bed such as twin, full, queen, California kings, and king size beds.

The present disclosure provides a bed frame panel assembly that is capable of presenting various appearances.

The present disclosure is also directed to a bed frame panel assembly that hides a support structure for a bed.

The present disclosure is further directed to a bed frame panel assembly that prevents an ankle, foot, toes, or shin from bumping into the L-shaped side rail. Since the L-shaped side rail is formed from angle iron, the bed frame panel assembly provides a cushion against the side rail to prevent a person from bumping into the side rail. The bed frame panel assembly provides a layer of safety.

These and other applications and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a bed frame panel assembly constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a back side view of a side panel constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a foot panel constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a corner bracket connected to a second side panel and a foot panel constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a corner bracket connected to a second side panel and a foot panel constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a rabbeted end of a side panel constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is side view of another embodiment of a side panel constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a side panel taken along the plane of line 8-8 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bed frame panel assembly connected together according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies an embodiment of a bed frame panel assembly constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now to FIG. 1, the bed frame panel assembly 10 is shown comprising a first side panel or member 12, a second side panel or member 14, and an end or foot panel or member 16. The first side panel 12 has a front side 18, a back side 20, and mounting clips 22 positioned along the back side 20. The clips 22 allow the first side panel 12 to be positioned on an upper leg portion 24 of a side rail 26 of a bed frame assembly 28. The bed frame assembly 28 also includes a side rail 30 having an upper leg portion 32. The second side panel 14 has a front side 34, a back side 36, and clips 38 positioned along the back side 36. The clips 38 hold the second side panel 14 on the upper leg portion 32. A first bracket 40 connects the first side panel 12 to the foot panel 16. A second bracket 42 connects the second side panel 14 to the foot panel 16. The bed frame assembly 28 also includes a first pair of cross members 44 and a second pair of cross members 46. The cross members 44 and 46 may be separated from each other to separate the side rails 26 and 30 from each other. A headboard bracket 48 is positioned on the side rail 26 and a headboard bracket 50 is positioned on the side rail 30. The brackets 48 and 50 are used to connect or attach a headboard to the bed frame assembly 28. Although not shown, it is possible to have a center support or cross member attached between either the side rails 26 and 30 or the cross members 44 and 46. Also, the bed frame assembly 28 may have legs having wheels and/or glides to facilitate movement of the assembly 28. With the bed frame panel assembly 10 mounted on the bed frame assembly 28, the side rails 26 and 30 and the brackets 48 and 50 are hidden to present a more desirable appearance.

Although not shown, a bed system consisting of a mattress and a foundation may be placed on the bed frame assembly 28. There are some applications where only a mattress is placed on the bed frame assembly 28. The side panels 12 and 14 of the bed frame panel assembly 10 are longer than the side rails 26 and 30. This ensures that bed frame panel assembly will not interfere with any mattress or foundation placed on the bed frame assembly 28. Again, once the bed frame assembly 10 is mounted on the bed frame assembly 28, the side rails 26 and 30, the cross members 44 and 46, and the brackets 48 and 50 will be hidden.

FIG. 2 shows the back side 36 of the second side panel 14. The back side 36 has the mounting clips 38 positioned along the back side 36. The second side panel 14 has a bottom edge 60, a top edge 62, a beveled foot edge 64, and a head edge 66. By way of example only, the second side panel 14 may be 74¾ inches long and 5 inches wide. The clips 38 may be positioned along the back side 36 in the following manner. The first clip 38 may be positioned 4 inches from the head edge 66, the second clip 38 may be positioned 20 inches from the first clip 38, the third clip 38 may be positioned 20 inches from the second clip 38, and the fourth clip 38 may be positioned 20 inches from the third clip 38. In this manner, the second side panel 14 may be clipped onto the upper leg portion 32 of the side rail 30 of the bed frame assembly 28. The clips 38 may be attached to the back side 36 in any suitable manner such as by use of brads, pins, screws, bolts, or adhesive. The back side 36 of the second side panel 14 may be finished or unfinished. As can be appreciated, the first side panel 12 is similar in construction as the second side panel 14.

With particular reference now to FIG. 3, the foot panel 16 is illustrated. The foot panel 16 has a front side 70, a back side 72, a bottom edge 74, a top edge 76, a beveled first side edge 78, and a beveled second side edge 80. The beveled second side edge 80 is adapted to be adjacent with and mate with the beveled foot edge 64 of the second side panel 14. The beveled first side edge 78 is also adapted to be adjacent with and mate with a beveled foot edge provided with the first side panel 12. The front side 70 is finished and the back side 72 may be either finished or unfinished. The foot panel 16 may have various sized widths depending upon the size of the bed frame assembly 28 being used. For example, if a queen sized mattress is being placed on the bed frame assembly 28, then the foot panel 16 will have a width of 60¼ inches. By way of further example, if a king sized mattress is being used, then the width of the foot panel 16 will be 76¼ inches. The foot panel 16 does not have any clips positioned on the back side 72. As can be appreciated, any sized foot panel 16 may be used depending on the size of the mattress being positioned on the bed frame assembly 28.

FIG. 4 depicts the second corner bracket 42 connecting the second side panel 14 to the foot panel 16. The second corner bracket 42 comprises a first side member 100 having an upper slot 102 and a lower slot 104 and a second side member 106 having an upper slot 108 and a lower slot 110. The slots 102, 104, 108, and 110 are adapted for receiving fastening members 112, such as a screw, nail, brad, or bolt, that is used to secure the second corner bracket 42 to the second side panel 14 and the foot panel 16. The first corner bracket 40 is similar in construction. It is also contemplated that the corner brackets 40 and 42 may be quick disconnect type connectors for easy assembling and disassembling of the bed frame panel assembly 10. The second side panel 14 is shown having the beveled foot edge 64. The foot panel 16 is also shown having the beveled second side edge 80. The beveled edges 64 and 80 facilitate the panels 14 and 16 fitting together to present a finished edge or squared corner 114. The second side panel 14 is also shown having a fabric 116 covering the second side panel 14. The foot panel 16 also has a fabric 118 covering the foot panel 16. This provides a finished look to the panels 14 and 16. One of the clips 38 is shown being clipped on to the upper leg portion 32 of the side rail 30. The side rail 30 also has a lower leg portion 120. The upper leg portion 32 and the lower leg portion 120 form an L-shape or an angle iron shape.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a top view of the second bracket 42 connecting the second side panel 14 to the foot panel 16 is illustrated. The second corner bracket 42 comprises the first side member 100 and the second side member 106 for forming the L-shaped bracket 42. Although not shown in this particular view, the slots 102, 104, 108, and 110 are adapted for receiving the fastening members 112, such as a screw, nail, brad, or bolt, that is used to secure the second corner bracket 42 to the second side panel 14 and the foot panel 16. The first corner bracket 40 is similar in construction. It is also contemplated that the corner brackets 40 and 42 may be quick disconnect type connectors for easy assembling and disassembling of the bed frame panel assembly 10. The second side panel 14 is shown having the beveled foot edge 64 mating up against the beveled second side edge 80 of the foot panel 16. The beveled edges 64 and 80 facilitate the panels 14 and 16 fitting together to present the finished edge or corner 114. The second side panel 14 is also shown having the fabric 116 covering the panel 14 to present a finished look to the panel 14. The foot panel 16 also has the fabric 118 covering the panel 16 to present a finished look to the panel 16.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a partial top view of the second side panel 14 and the headboard bracket 50 positioned on the side rail 30 is shown. In some applications, the second side panel 14 may interfere with the bracket 50. In order to prevent this, a rabbet 150 is formed in the back side 36 of the second side panel 14. The rabbet 150 is also formed at a head edge 152 of the second side panel 14. In this manner, the rabbet 150 allows a headboard (not shown) to be connected to the headboard bracket 50. The first side panel 12 also may have a rabbet formed in the back side 20. This allows the first side panel 12 to be placed on the side rail 26 so as to not interfere with the headboard bracket 48. By way of example only, the rabbet 150 may have the dimensions of being 3.5 inches long and half an inch deep. It is also possible that there are some applications in which the rabbet 150 may not be needed. The side panel 14 may be constructed as is shown in FIG. 2 in which the rabbet 150 is not formed in the head edge 66.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a side panel 200 constructed according to the present disclosure. The side panel 200 has a back side 202 having a single mounting clip 204 that is positioned along most of the back side 202. The side panel 200 has a bottom edge 206, a top edge 208, a beveled foot edge 210, and a head edge 212. A difference between the side panels 12 and 14 and the side panel 200 is that the side panel 200 utilizes the single mounting clip 204. As can be appreciated, the side panel 200 along with another side panel can be secured to the foot panel 16 by use of the brackets 40 and 42 to form a bed frame panel assembly. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the side panel 200 may also include a rabbet formed at the head edge 212.

With particular reference now to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of the first side rail 12 being clipped on to the upper leg portion 24 of the side rail 26 of the bed frame assembly 28 by use of the clip 22 is shown. The first side rail 12 is shown having an inner core 220 that is covered by a covering 222, such as a fabric. The first side rail 12 has the bottom edge 60, the top edge 62, the back side 36, and a front side 224. The clip 22 may have a generally U-shaped body 226 adapted for receiving the upper leg portion 24 of the side rail 26. An upper portion 228 is part of the clip 22 and has an aperture 230 for receiving a fastening device 232. The fastening device 232 is used to secure the clip 22 to the first side rail 12. The fastening device 232 may extend through the fabric 222 and into the core 220 to firmly secure the clip 22 to the side panel 12. In the manner, the clip 22 is used to be able to easily clip the side panel 12 on the upper leg portion 24. The clip 22 also allows the side panel 12 to be removed from the upper leg portion 24. The side rail 26 also has a lower leg portion 234. The upper leg portion 24 and the lower leg portion 234 form an L-shape or an angle iron shape of the side rail 26. A piece of foam 236 may be positioned between the inner core 220 and the covering 222 to provide padding to the front side 224. The foam 236 is shown covering the front side 224 and the top edge 62. Although it is possible that the foam 236 may cover the entire inner core 220. The foam 236 adds padding to the front side 224 and the top edge 62 should a foot or a leg of an individual bump or knock against the front side 224 or the top edge 62.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the bed frame panel assembly 10 connected together. The bed frame panel assembly 10 has not yet been installed or mounted on the bed frame assembly 28, which is not shown in this particular view. The bed frame panel assembly comprises the first side panel 12, the second side panel 14, and the end or foot panel 16 connected to both the panels 12 and 14, as has previously been described. The first side panel 12 has the front side 18, a bottom edge 250, a top edge 252, a head edge 254, and a beveled foot edge 256. The head edge 254 also has a rabbet 258 formed therein. The rabbet 258 is similar in construction as the rabbet 150. The rabbet 258 is provided so as not to interfere with the bracket 48 of the bed frame assembly 28. The foot panel 16 comprises the front side 70, the back side 72, the bottom edge 74, the top edge 76, the beveled first side edge 78, and the beveled second side edge 80. The beveled first side edge 78 is adapted to be adjacent with and mate with the beveled foot edge 256 of the first side panel 12. This forms a finished or squared corner 260. The corner 114 is formed by the mating of the beveled second side edge 80 of the foot panel 16 and the beveled foot edge 64 of the second panel 14. The second panel 14 is shown comprising the back side 36, the clips 38 positioned along the back side 36, the bottom edge 60, the top edge 62, the beveled foot edge 64, the head edge 66, and a front side 262. The rabbet 150 is also shown being formed in the head edge 66. Although not shown in this particular view, the brackets 40 and 42 are used to connect the panels 12, 14, and 16 together. Also, not shown in this view, the panel 12 has a back side 20 upon which the clips 22 are positioned.

The bed frame panel assembly 10 may be used to be attached to any size bed frame assembly 28. Only a few components are needed to assemble one complete bed frame panel assembly 10. In order to assemble the bed frame panel assembly 10 the following assembly steps may be used. In a first step, the clips 22 associated with the first side panel 12 are used to mount or secure the first side panel 12 onto the upper leg portion 24 of the side rail 26 of the bed frame assembly 28. The side panel 12 can be adjusted or positioned along the side rail 26, as may be required. The second side panel 14 is attached to the upper leg portion 32 of the side rail 30 by use of the clips 38 provided on the back side 36 of the second side panel 14. The second side panel 14 may be adjusted along the length of the side rail 30. The first bracket 40 is connected to both the first side panel 12 and the foot panel 16. The second bracket 42 may then be connected to the second side panel 14 and the foot panel 16 to complete the assembly of the bed frame panel assembly 10. In order to disassemble the bed frame panel assembly 10, the above suggested steps may be reversed. It is also possible that the bed frame panel assembly 10 may be removed from the bed frame assembly 28 in the fully assembled condition and then disassembled into the component parts. Further, since the bed frame panel assembly 10 is attached to the bed frame assembly 28, the bed frame assembly 28 may be easily moved or positioned within a room without having to remove or disassemble the bed frame panel assembly 10 from the bed frame assembly 28.

The side panels 12 and 14 and the foot panel 16 are generally rectangular in shape and may be formed of any suitable material such as solid wood, plywood, particle board, MDF (medium density fiberboard), OSB (oriented strand board), plastic, metal, and sheet metal. The panels 12, 14, and 16 may be finished using fabric, leather, paint, stain, vinyl, paper, foam, upholstery, plastic, veneer, or any other suitable finish. In this manner, the panels 12, 14, and 16 are lightweight, strong, and rigid. This allows the assembly 10 to be easily assembled, disassembled, and positioned within a room. Further, the assembly 10 of the present disclosure can be shipped as a single kit containing the panels 12, 14, and 16, the brackets 48 and 50, fastening members 112, and any instructions. The assembly 10 may be used to provide a finished look or appearance for any size bed or mattress or bed frame assembly 28. Also, as has been previously indicated, the panels 12, 14, and 16 can be various dimensions. Although the panels 12, 14, and 16 have been shown not extending down to the floor, it is possible that the panels 12, 14, and 16 may be long enough to touch the floor to provide the look of a platform bed.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a bed frame panel assembly which fulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject bed frame panel assembly are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bed frame panel assembly comprising: a first side member having a front side and a back side, the back side having a clip; a second side member having a front side and a back side, the back side having a clip; a foot member have a front side and a back side; a first bracket member for connecting the first side member to the foot member; and a second bracket member for connecting the second side member to the foot member.
 2. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 1 wherein the back side of the first side member comprises a second clip.
 3. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 1 wherein the front side of the first side member is finished.
 4. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 3 wherein the finished front side of the first side member is finished in a fabric.
 5. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 1 wherein the back side of the second side member comprises a plurality of clips spaced along the back side.
 6. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 1 wherein the front side of the foot member is finished.
 7. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 1 wherein first bracket member comprises a corner connector.
 8. A bed frame panel assembly comprising: a first side member having a front side, a back side, a head end, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip; a second side member having a front side, a back side, a head end, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip; a foot member have a side, a back side, and a pair of beveled ends; and a first bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the first side member to one of the beveled ends of the foot member and a second bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the second side member to the other beveled end of the foot member.
 9. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 8 wherein the back side of the first side member further comprises a second clip.
 10. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 8 wherein the front side of the first side member and the front side of the second side member are both finished.
 11. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 10 wherein each finished side is finished in a fabric.
 12. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 8 wherein the back side of the second side member comprises a plurality of clips spaced along the back side.
 13. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 8 wherein the first bracket member comprises a corner connector.
 14. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 8 wherein the head end of the first side member is straight.
 15. A bed frame panel assembly comprising: a first side member having a front side, a back side, a head end having a rabbet portion, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip; a second side member having a front side, a back side, a head end having a rabbet portion, and a beveled foot end, the back side having a clip; a foot member have a side, a back side, and a pair of beveled ends; and a first bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the first side member to one of the beveled ends of the foot member and a second bracket member for connecting the beveled foot end of the second side member to the other beveled end of the foot member.
 16. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 15 wherein the back side of the first side member comprises a second clip.
 17. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 15 wherein the front side of the first side member and the front side of the second side member are both finished.
 18. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 17 wherein each finished side is finished in a fabric.
 19. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 15 wherein the back side of the second side member comprises a plurality of clips spaced along the back side.
 20. The bed frame panel assembly of claim 15 wherein the first bracket member comprises a corner connector. 